Polyxena Collection

The Trojan War: The Destruction of Troy. ca. 1470. Detail. Hecuba entrusts her daughter Polyxena to Antenor during the assault of the Achaeans

POLYXENA SACRIFICED
Priam's daughter was loved by Achilles, though an enemy : after his death, Troy fallen, his ghost demands that she be sacrificed so that he may have her in death if not in life

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1776. Creator: Giovanni David
The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1776. King Priams daughter Polyxena is sacrificed for her betrayal of Achilles after her brothers shot a poisoned arrow in his heel

Southern festoon, Spanish festoon, false apollo
Southern festoon, Zerynthia polyxena, Spanish festoon, Zerynthia rumina, false apollo, Archon apollinus, and eastern festoon, Allancastria cerisyi

Apollo butterfly, Parnassius apollo 1
Mountain Apollo butterfly, Parnassius apollo 1, and southern festoon, Zerynthia polyxena 2, larva and pupa. Parnassius apollon, Thais medesicaste. Papillons, butterflies

The sacrifice of Polyxena (engraving)
3635283 The sacrifice of Polyxena (engraving) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The sacrifice of Polyxena)

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1647 (oil on canvas)
742361 The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1647 (oil on canvas) by Le Brun, Charles (1619-90); 179x131 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; French, out of copyright

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, from "Bacchanals and Histories", 1744. 1744
The Sacrifice of Polyxena, from " Bacchanals and Histories", 1744

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1647. Creator: Charles le Brun
The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1647

The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1734. Artist: Pittoni, Giovan Battista (1687-1767)
The Sacrifice of Polyxena, 1734. Found in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

The Sacrifice of Polyxena. Artist: Pittoni, Giovan Battista (1687-1767)
The Sacrifice of Polyxena. Found in the collection of Thyssen-Bornemisza Collections

Hecuba and Polyxena, after 1814. Artist: Blondel, Merry-Joseph (1781-1853)
Hecuba and Polyxena, after 1814. Found in the collection of Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Sacrifice Polyxena Giovanni Battista Pittoni
The Sacrifice of Polyxena; Giovanni Battista Pittoni (Italian (Venetian), 1687 - 1767); about 1733 - 1734; Oil on canvas; 128.3 × 95.3 cm (50 1, 2 × 37 1, 2 in.)

Polyxena, 1786. Creators: Jean Florent Defraine, Vincent Marie Langlois
Polyxena, 1786

Death Polyxena 1624-63 Pen brown ink brush
Artokoloro

Sacrifice Polyxena 1776 Etching plate 8 3 / 4 x 11 15 / 16
Artokoloro

The Sacrifice of Polyxena; Giovanni Battista Pittoni, Italian (Venetian), 1687 - 1767; about 1733 - 1734; Oil on canvas; Unframed: 128.3 x 95.3 cm (50 1/2 x 37 1/2 in.)

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Polyxena, a tragic figure from the Trojan War, has captivated artists and storytellers throughout history. In one of the most poignant moments of this epic conflict, Polyxena is sacrificed to appease the gods and ensure victory for the Greeks. Giovanni David's masterpiece "The Sacrifice of Polyxena" immortalizes this heart-wrenching event in 1776. The painting depicts her final moments as she meets her fate with bravery and grace. Another rendition by Charles le Brun in 1647 captures the intensity of this sacrifice on canvas. But who was Polyxena? She was a princess of Troy, daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. Her beauty was renowned, attracting suitors from far and wide. However, it was Achilles who won her heart before his untimely death during the war. In Greek mythology, Apollo transformed himself into an eagle to abduct Polyxena after Achilles' demise. This story inspired various works like Professor Pio Fedi's engraving titled "The Rape of Polyxena, " displayed at Florence's Loggia. Nature also pays homage to this tragic tale through its creations. The Southern festoon butterfly (also known as Spanish festoon or false Apollo) bears resemblance to Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo). These delicate creatures symbolize both beauty and sacrifice - just like Polyxena herself. Engravings such as "The Sacrifice of Polyxena" further perpetuate her legend across time. One such engraving can be found in "Bacchanals and Histories, " published in 1744. Polyxena's story continues to resonate today because it explores themes like love, loss, sacrifice, and tragedy that are universal human experiences. Artists have sought to capture these emotions through their artistry over centuries – reminding us that even amidst destruction and war there is room for compassion and empathy towards those who suffer.